Green space planned for corner of Northeast Drive and University Avenue.

Published June 21, 2018

At the corner of Northeast Drive and University Avenue at the University of Louisiana
Monroe, Garrett Hall is being torn down. This week, heavy equipment has made quick
work of taking apart the building where biology and geology were once taught. Director
of Facilities Michael Davis said everything salvageable was removed from the building.

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INTERVENTION ZONES

The ULM Master Plan (www.ulm.edu/masterplan/) identifies intervention zones for proposed improvements, and Northeast Drive Gateway
and Garrett Plaza is one of those zones. The other intervention zones are Campus Mall
and Lawn, University Avenue Gateway, Bayou Park, Athletic Campus Gateway, Stadium
Park and Alumni Park.

Northeast Drive and University Avenue are key entrance points to the university. The
Master Plan calls for enhancements to the area, which includes the demolition of Garrett
Hall. The Master Plan states: “The proposal creates a new ‘front’ door corner plaza
on the Garrett site, supporting the ongoing reconfiguration of Sandel Hall as a central
orientation point and student services facility.”

A GREEN SPACE

Davis said once the debris is removed, the corner will become a green space. At first
it will be planted with grass, with landscaping to come later. An architectural rendering
in the Master Plan shows the corner space with paths, a fountain and planted with
grass and trees.

HISTORY

Construction on Garrett Hall began in 1961 and was completed in 1962. George T. Walker
was president of the university and Jimmie Davis was governor of Louisiana.

Garrett Hall was named for Franklin Garrett (1840-1896), who was considered the father
of the modern parish school system.

Garrett was a member of one of the founding families of Monroe. An attorney, Garrett
served on the Monroe City Council and was a member of the Louisiana State Board of
Education for the 5th Congressional District. In 1880, he was tasked with creating
public schools in the city. He started the project with $63 in school funds. In 1888
Garrett retired from managing the school system and left a balance of $6,000 in the
school account.

Although Garrett Hall no longer stands, Franklin Garrett’s dedication to learning
goes on as ULM continues to grow and thrive.